Babar Azam for Pakistan - (Source: X.com)
Pakistan ace Babar Azam has been at the centre of utter humiliation during Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2026 do-or-die clash against Namibia on Wednesday, February 18. Notably, the former captain has been under the scanner for his underwhelming performance, but was presented with a final chance to prove his mettle against the African nation.
Before the start of the match, there were rumours that Babar Azam would be dropped from the team, following shambolic show against India. However, he was added to the playing XI against Namibia. However, much to everyone's dismay, he was disrespected by the management as Pakistan didn't send Babar to bat at his preferred No.4 position.
Babar Azam disrespected by Salman Agha and Pakistan management
Notably, in the ongoing match, Pakistan were reduced to 107/2. Eyes were on the dugout as fans were up on their seats to see Babar in action. However, the team sent Khawaja Nafay to bat. The insult was aggravated after the fall of 3rd wicket, which is why Shadab Khan stepped out to bat.
Babar Azam was kept hanging in the dressing room as the management didn't think of him worthy enough to score runs at a quicker rate. The incident quickly went viral on social media and the fans were upset by the disrespect and even mentioned that it would have been better to drop him than such mistreatment.
Babar Azam Struggling for form in T20 World Cup 2026
Babar Azam has had a difficult last 12 months as he was kicked out of the scheme of things in T20Is, but returned to the team following Asia Cup. Notably, the right-handed batter was not part of Pakistan' Asia Cup squad, where they reached the finals, but suffered a defeat against India, reigniting the calls to bring back Babar.
Eventually, Babar returned to the team, but failed to repay the faith shown in him as he struggled in T20 leagues across the world and also for Pakistan. Notably, Babar featured in BBL, where he scored 202 runs in 11 innings. Further, he scored a fifty against Australia in the T20I series, but is yet to shine in World Cup.
Notably, Babar has scored 66 runs in three innings in this tournament, which is why the management didn't trust him for the Namibia match.
Mike Hessen and Salman Agha's gamble work vs Namibia
The decision to not give batting to Babar Azam worked in Pakistan's favour as Shadab Khan scored a quickfire 36 (22), which helped Pakistan put 199 runs on the board in the do or die match.
Further, Shadab also formed a partnership with Shadab Khan, whereas Babar Azam, on the other hand, would have taken a few balls to settle, which would have costed Pakistan a game and an opportunity to score big. Now, it is to be seen how will Babar react to the incident and what does the future hold for him.
